In-lane money transfer systems and methods

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides systems and methods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers. One such method includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendor location ( 360 ), and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pair record ( 362 ). The method includes sending the transfer pair verification to the vendor location ( 368 ), receiving a money transfer request ( 370 ) associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, and authorizing a money transfer ( 372 ) to at least one of a first and second customers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendor location, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retail outlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used to facilitate a money transfer between two customers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/132,725, filed May 18, 2005, the complete disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of money transfers,and in particular to the transfer of money between two frequent entitiesor customers which may occur using point-of-sale systems to initiate orfacilitate the transfer.

Present money transfer procedures typically involve an individual goingto a money transfer location, such as a Western Union location, andgiving the customer service agent a variety of personal information.This personal information may include the names and addresses of thesender and recipient, proof of identification, and the amount to betransferred. This information is entered into a money transfer system,and used to create a record of the money transfer. Once the money to betransferred has been collected from the sender, the recipient thenproceeds to a separate money transfer location, such as another WesternUnion location, to pick up the money. The recipient may be required toprovide a money transfer number and/or proof of identification, prior topicking up the money. Typically, this procedure is followed for eachsubsequent money transfer, even when the sender and recipient are thesame. As a result, people who frequently send money using money transfersystems are repeatedly providing much of the same information.Improvements are desired.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of money transfers,and in particular to the transfer of money between two frequent entitiesor customers which may occur using point-of-sale systems to initiate orfacilitate the transfer. The present invention provides systems andmethods to initiate, facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers.In one such embodiment, a method of processing money transfers includesreceiving a request for a transfer pair verification from a vendorlocation, and verifying that the transfer pair is associated with avalid transfer pair record. The method includes sending the transferpair verification to the vendor location, receiving a money transferrequest associated with the transfer pair from the vendor location, andauthorizing a money transfer to at least one of a first and secondcustomers associated with the transfer pair. In this manner, a vendorlocation, which may include a point-of-sale device and may be a retailoutlet (e.g., grocery store, gas station, or the like), can be used tofacilitate a money transfer between two customers who have anestablished transfer pair record.

In one aspect, the method further includes establishing the transferpair record associated with the first customer and the second customer.The transfer pair record may be established, for example, by verifyingthe identity of at least one of the first and second customers,receiving first and second customer information and creating a databaserecord thereof, and providing a transfer pair code to at least one ofthe first and second customers. In some aspects, the transfer pair codeis a string of alphanumeric characters. The transfer pair code also mayinclude a money transfer recipient designator. For example, the code mayhave a prefix or suffix to indicate which of the two customers involvedin the money transfer is the recipient.

In one aspect, the method includes sending a fee request to the vendorlocation. This may occur, for example, when the transfer pairverification is sent to the vendor location. The fee request may be amoney transfer fee to be charged the customer initiating the moneytransfer. The fee may be a fixed fee (e.g., a set dollar amount permoney transfer), or a variable fee (e.g., a percentage of the dollaramount being transferred).

In some aspects, the method includes receiving a payment recordcorresponding to the money transfer request. The payment record may becreated by a point-of-sale device or a computer system associated withthe vendor location. The payment record may indicate the amount to betransferred as requested by the customer. In other aspects, the transferamount is fixed, and the record of this amount may further be stored inthe transfer pair record. This feature may be useful, for example, if acustomer wants to send a same amount each week, each pay period, eachmonth, or the like.

The money associated with the money transfer request is dispensed to thefirst or second customer in some aspects. The dispensing may involvereceiving a transfer pair code associated with the transfer pair fromthe first or second customer prior to the dispensing of the money. Inthis manner, the intended recipient provides the transfer pair code, andpossibly other proof of identity, prior to receiving the transferredmoney.

The present invention further provides methods of facilitating moneytransfers by a customer. One such method includes receiving a moneytransfer request and a transfer pair code from a first customer. Arequest for a transfer pair verification is sent to a host computer, andthe transfer pair verification is received from the host computer. Ifthe verification is not received, in some aspects the money transferrequest is denied. Alternatively, the money transfer may proceed aftercustomer information is collected. The method includes receiving apayment from the first customer for transfer to a second customerassociated with the transfer pair code, and sending a record of themoney transfer request and the payment to the host computer. In someaspects, a receipt is provided to the first customer. In some aspects,at least a portion of the transfer occurs using a point-of-sale deviceor system. In other embodiments, some or all of the transaction occursusing a website interface, a voice recognition unit, a customer servicerepresentative, or the like. In this manner, transactions may occurbetween pre-registered entities (e.g., utility companies or otherservice providers), and/or between pre-registered customers (e.g., anindividual), or some combination thereof, without needing to collectlarge amounts of data or information for each transaction.

Methods of the present invention will be particularly useful forinitiating money transfers “in-lane,” such as while shopping at a retailoutlet. In one aspect, the method further includes receiving a purchaserequest for a consumer item from the first customer. The paymentincludes a first payment portion associated with the consumer item and asecond payment portion associated with the money transfer request. Insome aspects, the payment further includes a third payment portionassociated with a money transfer fee. In this manner, the customer caninitiate the money transfer while attending to other shopping orerrands, or while at a location not designated solely for moneytransfers. The use of a transfer pair, particularly a transfer pairpreviously established by the first and/or second customer, will reduceor eliminate the amount of personal information that otherwise wouldneed to be collected prior to the money transfer. In some embodiments,the initiating customer need only provide the transfer pair and anamount to be transferred.

The present invention further provides systems to initiate, perform,process or otherwise facilitate money transfers. One such systemincludes a host computer having a processor coupled to a database. Thehost computer further includes code for performing various methods ofthe present invention. In one particular embodiment, the host computerincludes code for receiving a request to verify a transfer pair from apoint-of-sale device, code for verifying if the transfer pair isassociated with a valid transfer pair record, and code for sending atransfer pair verification to the point-of-sale device. The hostcomputer further includes code for receiving a money transfer requestassociated with the transfer pair from the point-of-sale device, andcode for authorizing a money transfer to at least one of a firstcustomer and a second customer associated with the transfer pair. Inthis manner, the money transfer may be initiated at a remote location,such as at a point-of-sale device. In some embodiments, the systemincludes the point-of-sale device.

In some aspects, the system further includes code for establishing thetransfer pair record associated with the first customer and the secondcustomer. The record may be established using code for receiving firstand second customer information and creating a database record thereofto include a transfer pair code. The transfer code then is provided toat least one of the first and second customers.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following detailed description, theappended claims, and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified depiction of a transfer pair record according toan embodiment the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic system for facilitating money transfersaccording to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified flow diagrams of methods according toembodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention includes systems and methods that initiate,facilitate, process and/or perform money transfers or other recurringfinancial transactions between two parties, entities, or customers. Theembodiments of the present invention will be particularly useful forcustomers who commonly send money to the same one or few number ofrecipients. For example, legal aliens working within the United Statesmay use a money transfer system to send money back to their family inMexico, or South or Central American countries. These money transfersmay occur at fairly regular intervals, and may, for example, correspondto times at which the workers are paid by their employers. Someembodiments of the present invention will be particularly useful toreduce the amount of information these customers must provide each timethey desire to send money. Further, the number of locations at which amoney transfer can be initiated are increased through use of the systemsand methods of the present invention.

In some embodiments, a transfer pair record 100 is created for a pair ofcustomers. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment transfer pair record100 includes information on a first customer 110 and information on asecond customer 120. The information includes the customers' names andaddresses. Transfer pair record 100 may further include additionaldetails on customers 110, 120 including, but not limited to, telephonenumbers, cell phone numbers, email addresses, social security numbers,dates of birth, driver license numbers, employee identification numbers,passwords, credit card information, bank account information,information on other payment mechanisms, and the like. FIG. 1 depictssimilar information for first customer 110 and second customer 120within transfer pair record 100. In other embodiments, the amount ofinformation for first and second customers 110, 120 may differ. Forexample, if second customer 120 is always going to be the money transferrecipient, the amount of information may be more or less than collectedfor first customer 110. Further, not all customers will have the sameamount of personal information. For example, customers 110 and/or 120may not have a valid driver's license, a U.S. Social Security number, anemail address, or the like. Transfer pair record 100 will beparticularly useful for first and second customers 110, 120 who want tosend money to each other, or from one customer to the other, on morethan one occasion.

Transfer pair record 100 is created a number of ways within the scope ofthe present invention. For example, first customer 110 may enter a moneytransfer location, such as a Western Union location, and providerelevant information to a customer service representative (CSR) forfirst customer 110 and second customer 120. This may occur, for example,when first customer 110 is the sender of money for transactions betweenthese two customers. The CSR creates transfer pair record 100 byentering the collected information into a computer-based system havingappropriate software. Transfer pair record 100 also may be created byallowing first customer 110 to enter customer information into awebsite, such as a Western Union website. In other embodiments, customerinformation is conveyed by telephone to a CSR or an interactive voiceresponse (IVR) system, by mobile or wireless devices, or the like, inorder to create transfer pair record 100. The amount of informationretrieved from customers 110 and/or 120 may be effected by the PatriotAct, or other federal, state, or local legislation.

In a particular embodiment, first customer 110 and second customer 120intend to transfer money between them, or from one of them to the other,on a regular or semi-regular basis. In some embodiments, first customer110 is always the sender of the money and second customer 120 is alwaysthe recipient of the money. In other embodiments, second customer 120sends money on some occasions, such as when they are paying back moneyloaned to them by first customer 110.

The creation of transfer pair record 100 includes, in one embodiment,the creation of a transfer pair code 140. Transfer pair code 140 maytake a number of different forms within the scope of the presentinvention. As shown in FIG. 1, in one embodiment transfer pair code 140includes a string of alphanumeric characters. In some embodiments,transfer pair code 140 includes a character, code segment, or the likethat operates as a money transfer recipient designator. The designatormay be a prefix and/or a suffix that is used to designate which ofcustomers 110, 120 is sending the money and which is receiving it. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 1, the suffix “-A” may indicate that firstcustomer 110 is sending money to second customer 120, while the suffix“-B” may indicate money is being transferred from second customer 120 tofirst customer 110. In other embodiments, transfer pair code 140 iscompletely different depending upon which of the customers 110, 120 isthe initiator or recipient in the money transfer. In some embodiments,transfer pair codes 140 take alternative forms other than a string ofalphanumeric characters. For example, transfer pair codes 140 may beembodied in a universal product code (UPC) that is sent or provided tocustomers 110 and/or 120.

In some embodiments, it may be desirable for first customer 110 to senda prescribed amount of money to second customer 120. In this embodiment,transfer pair record 100 includes a transfer amount 130. This embodimentwill be useful, for example, when first customer 110 wants to be surethey send the necessary amount to second customer 120. In otherembodiments, the amount of each money transfer can vary. In one suchembodiment, the variable amount is not maintained in transfer pairrecord 100. In another embodiment, a history of the transfers betweenfirst and second customers 110, 120 are maintained in transfer pairrecord 100.

While transfer pair record 100 is shown pairing two customers 110, 120,in some embodiments transfer pair record 100 is created for use withmoney transfers between more than two customers. For example, transferpair record 100 may include information on a third customer, and mayinclude additional transfer pair codes for the transfer of money toand/or from the third customer to first customer 110 and/or secondcustomer 120. This embodiment may be useful, for example, if firstcustomer 110 is a parent with two children in college. In this example,first customer 110 wishes to send money to their children (e.g., secondcustomer 120 and third customer) at different points in time, atdifferent locations (e.g., at different schools), in different amounts,and the like. In an alternative example, the third customer operates asa proxy for the second customer. For example, the second (moneyreceiving) customer may be an elderly parent, with the third customerbeing their son or daughter. The son or daughter may be authorized toreceive the money on the parent's behalf in certain prescribedsituations (e.g., when the parent is ill) or, alternatively, in allcircumstances. In this example, the third customer (son or daughter)also is registered, with the transfer pair record having information onthe third customer.

In another embodiment, a “batch” of transactions may occur. For example,when a first customer receives their paycheck, they may want to send Xdollars to their mother, Y dollars to their sister and Z dollars totheir brother. A transaction record is created for this group ofparties, so that each time the record identifier is used the abovetransactions occur. In some embodiments, the transaction recordidentifies the amounts and recipients as previously described. In otherembodiments, the amount to be sent is calculated on a percentage basis.For example, the first customer may identify the total amount to betransferred, and the transaction record contains information that themother receives, for example, fifty percent (50%), and each of thesiblings is to receive twenty-five percent (25%) of the transfer amount.In other embodiments, the appropriate transaction fees are removed priorto distribution of the funds. In other embodiments, the amounts can bedynamically managed, such as by electronic means (e.g., the Internet) toadjust the amounts, percentages, or the like. In some cases, if thefirst customer wants to send money only to their mother, a separatetransaction pair for the first customer and mother is created if thecustomer desires recurring transfers.

In a preferred embodiment, the creation of transfer pair record 100produces one or more transfer pair codes 140 that are unique to firstcustomer 110 and second customer 120 associated with transfer pairrecord 100. Transfer pair codes 140 are then provided to one or bothcustomers 110, 120. Providing transfer pair codes 140 to customers 110,120 occurs through a variety of mechanisms within the scope of thepresent invention. For example, transfer pair code 140 may be providedto first customer 110 when they create transfer pair record 100. Inanother embodiment, transfer pair codes 140 are mailed to one or bothcustomers 110, 120 in a fashion similar to the mailing of a personalidentification number (PIN) commonly used with automated teller machine(ATM) cards. In another embodiment, transfer pair codes 140 are emailedto customers 110, 120 using, for example, the email addresses enteredinto transfer pair record 100. In still another embodiment, transferpair codes 140 are embodied or printed on a presentation device, such asa card or the like. The presentation device is sent or provided tocustomers 110, 120. In one embodiment, the presentation device is a cardcontaining a magnetic stripe. Transfer pair code(s) 140 may be encodedin the magnetic stripe along with, in some embodiments, additionalinformation from transfer pair record 100. Customers 110, 120 can usethe presentation device when they send or receive money as furtherdescribed below. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatthe form of transfer pair code 140 and the method at which transfer paircodes 140 are provided to customers 110 and/or 120 may vary within thescope of the present invention beyond the above specific examples.

Once transfer pair record 100 has been established, transfer pair code140 can be used to initiate money transfers from a variety of locations.In some embodiments, customer 110 or 120 initiates the money transfer bylogging onto a money transfer organization website, such as the WesternUnion website. Transfer pair code 140 is entered into the website sothat the Western Union money transfer system accesses transfer pairrecord 100 associated with the appropriate customers 110, 120. In thisembodiment, the website may prompt the customer to provide furtherinformation such as a date of birth, a driver's license number, apassword, or the like, to verify that the individual interfacing withthe website is indeed one of first or second customers 110, 120. Theinitiation of money transfers using transfer pair code 140 also mayoccur by telephone, by interfacing with an IVR system, or the like. Forexample, first customer 110 may call a customer service representative(CSR) associated with the organization facilitating the money transfers(e.g., Western Union). First customer 110 provides the CSR with transferpair code 140, a transfer amount (if the transfer pair allows variableamounts), and a payment method. In some embodiments, additionalauthorization also is provided (e.g., a password or other information intransfer pair record 100) by first customer 110. In some embodiments,the acceptable payment method is limited to payment methods alreadyidentified in transfer pair record 140 (e.g., a credit card account,Paypal account, etc.). In some embodiments, a receipt for thetransaction is provided to first customer 110, such as by email, voicemessage, paper receipt mailed to first customer 110's address, or thelike. A particular advantage of the present invention further includesthe use of transfer pair codes 140 while customers 110 and/or 120 are ata retail location as will be further described in conjunction withsubsequent figures.

Turning now to FIG. 2, a system 200 for initiating, facilitating,processing and/or performing money transfers according to embodiments ofthe present invention will be described. System 200 includes a hostcomputer system 240 coupled to a database 242. In one embodiment, hostsystem 240 comprises a server or other computer based apparatus forcreating and maintaining records associated with money transfers. Hostcomputer system 240, in one embodiment, is operated by a third partysuch as Western Union or another money transfer organization. Database242 maintains records of money transfers. Further, in one embodiment,database 242 maintains some or all transfer pair records 100. Forexample, host computer system 240 may comprise or be coupled to a servermaintaining a Western Union website into which first customer 110 inputsdata to create transfer pair record 100. Similarly, host computer system240 may have other user interfaces by which a customer servicerepresentative enters data and creates transfer pair records 100.Further, host computer system 240 may include or be coupled to aninteractive voice response system to allow customer 110 to interfacewith system 240 to create transfer pair records 100.

In one embodiment, a transfer pair record has been created for a firstcustomer 260 and a second customer 280. In this embodiment, secondcustomer 280 is the intended recipient of a money transfer initiated byfirst customer 260. In order to receive the money, second customer 280goes to a remote terminal or system 250. Remote system 250 may be akiosk, a money transfer location such as a Western Union location, orthe like. In alternative embodiments, the transferred money is depositedinto a permanent or temporary account for second customer 280, such as abank account, a stored value account, or the like. In one embodiment,remote system 250 also comprises a computer system, associated databases(not shown), and other necessary hardware and software in order to helpcoordinate the money transfers for customers 260 and 280. In oneembodiment, remote computer system 250 is coupled to host computersystem 240 so that database records maintained in database 242 areaccessible by remote computer 250. This coupling between remote system250 and host computer system 240 may be a direct coupling or may be acoupling through a network 230 as depicted in FIG. 2. Network 230 mayinclude telephone networks, credit card networks, wide area networks,the Internet, wireless networks, and the like. Further, depending on thetype of processing device used to transmit the information, such devicesmay also be coupled to a financial network such as a credit card networkor Automated Teller Machine (ATM) network, or may have a directconnection to other host computer systems.

While host computer system 240 is depicted as a single system, hostcomputer system 240 may have multiple components and may comprise acollection of more than one system. For example, money transfer recordsmay be maintained in a first portion of host computer system 240, whiletransfer pair records 100 may be maintained in a second portion of hostcomputer system 240. Multiple databases 242 also may be used tofacilitate the storage and retrieval of transfer pair records 100.

In some embodiments, portions of system 200 are found in retail outlets,such as grocery stores, gas stations, and the like. In one embodiment, aretail outlet has an associated vendor system 220 coupled to a database222. Vendor system 220 also is coupled to a point-of-sale (POS) deviceor terminal 210. In some embodiments, POS device 210 is apoint-of-service, such as a location at which the customer receives someservice or benefit as opposed to making physical purchases. The couplingbetween vendor system 220 and terminal 210 may be a direct coupling, ormay be an electronic coupling through network 230. A direct couplingbetween vendor system 220 and point-of-sale device 210 may comprise, forexample, a point-of-sale terminal 210 in a store location, physically orwirelessly coupled with vendor system 220. In some embodiments, vendorsystem 220 comprises a server, a computer, or the like, which may belocated in a back room of the store or retail location.

Vendor system 220 and its associated database 222 may contain a widevariety of store-related records. For example, in some embodimentsdatabase 222 contains inventory lists, price lists, vendor lists,employee information and the like. In a particular embodiment,point-of-sale device 210 exists in a grocery store having a plurality ofitems available for consumers to purchase. Typically, such apoint-of-sale device forms part of a cash register system in which thecustomer, or a clerk or employee of the store, scans item UPC's or iteminformation into point-of-sale device 210. Point-of-sale device 210receives the costs associated with those items from vendor system 220,or alternatively the costs are maintained in POS device 210 by a SKU,etc. Point-of-sale device 210 then accumulates a total cost of all itemsto be purchased by first customer 260 and presents the total to customer260. First customer 260 will then tender payment for the desired itemsand depart the store location. If the payment is rendered using a creditcard, a personal check, or the like, a payment authorization process mayoccur before the customer departs with the desired items. Thisauthorization may involve standard credit card authorization or checkauthentication as known to those skilled in the art. Customer 260 alsomay pay by cash, money order, travelers check, or the like.

In some embodiments, vendor system 220 does not reside at a storelocation, but instead resides at a regional location. For example, agrocery store chain may have a single regional vendor system 220maintaining records of store inventory, and costs and prices associatedwith items sold therein. The point-of-sale terminals 210 in one or morestore locations are coupled to vendor system 220. In this manner,inventory and prices can be managed on a regional level in addition to astore by store manner. In still another embodiment, vendor system 220 isa third party owned system used to facilitate various transactions. Insome cases, vendor system 220 resides at a third party transactionprocessing facility.

In some embodiments, point-of-sale terminal(s) 210 communicate withvendor system 220 through network 230. Point-of-sale devices 210 thatmay be used to capture, transmit and/or receive information to and fromhost computer system 220 for some embodiments of the present inventionare further described in copending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/116,689,entitled Systems and Methods for Performing Transactions at aPoint-of-Sale, filed Apr. 3, 2002, and assigned to the assignee of thepresent invention, the complete disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

In some cases first customer 260 purchases items at the store using theabove-noted procedure, but also wants to initiate a money transfer tosecond customer 280. In some embodiments of the present invention,system 200 is adapted to allow first customer 260 to initiate a moneytransfer at the store location using point-of-sale terminal 210. In aparticular embodiment, customer 260 presents a money transfer request toeither point-of-sale terminal 210 or a clerk operating point-of-saleterminal 210. In doing so, first customer 260 provides the clerk or POSdevice 210 with transfer pair code 140 associated with first customer260 and the correct second customer 280 to whom first customer 260 issending money. This may be a verbal rendering, from which the clerk orcustomer 260 will key in the appropriate transfer pair code and/or therequested money transfer amount into point-of-sale terminal 210. Inanother embodiment, transfer pair code 140 has been printed on a pieceof paper and provided to the clerk. The printed paper may be ahandwritten transfer pair on a money order request sheet obtained byfirst customer 260 at the vendor location, an email first customer 260received from host system 240 which first customer 260 has printed andcarried with them to the store, or the like. In another embodiment, thestore has a kiosk, a computer, or the like which is coupled to hostsystem 240. In this manner, first customer 260 can retrieve theirtransfer pair code 140 while at the store for initiating the moneytransfer. Alternatively, some or all of transfer pair code 140 or othercustomer account information is maintained on a presentation device 270,such as in a Universal Product Code (UPC). Alternatively, a magneticstrip may be provided on presentation device 270 having transfer paircode 140 and possible additional information as well. Informationmaintained in UPC, the magnetic strip, written or printed onpresentation device 270, or the like, may include the customer name,money transfer amount 130, transfer pair code 140, and the like.

Transfer pair code 140 is entered into POS device 210, and transmittedto host computer 240. Host computer 240 checks the received transferpair code 140 against transfer pair records 100, including records 100which may be stored in database 242. In some embodiments, a customername or other information is sent to host computer 240, and checkedagainst the transfer pair record corresponding to the provided transferpair code 140. Host system 240 may confirm, for example, that theprovided transfer pair 140 corresponds to a valid transfer pair record100. For a verified transfer pair code 140, host system 240 returns amoney transfer authorization or transfer pair code verification to POSdevice 210. POS device 210, or the clerk operating POS device 210, thenproceeds with the money transfer by collecting the money to betransferred from customer 260. For fixed amount transfers, in someembodiments the money transfer authorization may include the moneytransfer amount. In this manner, POS device 210 is informed of theauthorized money transfer it may collect. In other embodiments, themoney transfer authorization returns a maximum money transfer amount. Inthis case, POS device 210 is authorized to accept money transfers up tothe maximum authorized amount, but not a greater amount.

In some embodiments, the money transfer amount is collected fromcustomer 260, and any money transfer fees are deducted from thecollected amount. In other embodiments, POS device 210 is instructed byhost system 240 to collect a money transfer fee in addition to the moneytransfer amount customer 260 wishes to transmit. In some embodiments,the money transfer fee is a variable amount such as a percentage of themoney transfer amount. The collection of the fee would be similar toapplying a sales tax to an item being purchased at POS device 210. Inother embodiments, the money transfer fee is a fixed amount (e.g., fivedollars per transfer). Additional money transfer fees may be used inalternative embodiments, such as a sliding fee scale (e.g., a fivedollar fee for every one hundred dollars transferred, with a maximum feeof fifty dollars). In some embodiments, the transfer pair verificationresponse sent to POS device 210 includes the money transfer fee to becollected. In other embodiments, presentation device 270 and/or vendorsystem 220 maintains a money transfer fee schedule. The money transferfee may include a fee to be paid the operator of host system 240, andmay include a fee to be paid to the operator of vendor system 220.

In one embodiment, host system 240 and associated database 242 maintainssome or all of the transfer pair records 100. In this embodiment,point-of-sale terminal 210 communicates via network 230 to host computer240 in order to facilitate money transfers. In one embodiment,appropriate software is maintained on host computer 240 and/or remotecomputer 250 or their associated databases 242, to perform the moneytransfer process. Additional details on some methods according to thepresent invention will be further described in conjunction with FIGS. 3Aand 3B.

When customer 260 tenders payment for items purchased at the storeand/or for a money transfer, this payment may require furtherauthorization. For example, if customer 260 is paying with a creditcard, a standard credit card authorization may be performed usingpoint-of-sale terminal 210. Similarly, if customer 260 is paying with apersonal check, a check authentication process may be performed atpoint-of-sale terminal 210. In some embodiments, customer 260 will betendering payment only for the money transfer. In other embodiments,customer 260 will be tendering payment for the money transfer and alsoadditional items purchased at the store location operating point-of-saleterminal 210. In this manner, customer 260 may kill two birds with onestone by, for example, purchasing desired groceries or other itemsavailable at a store as well as initiating a money transfer.

In some embodiments, payment received by point-of-sale terminal 210 formoney transfers is forwarded to host system 240 using an AutomatedClearing House (ACH) system and process, the Western Union MoneyTransfer System, or another money transfer system. In some embodiments,host computer 240 controls or helps control the ACH process for paymentsreceived from customer 260 that are associated with money transfers. Inthis manner, host computer 240 may control the money transfer process sothat money collected by point-of-sale terminal 210 is made available tosecond customer 280 associated with transfer pair record 100 that theyshare with first customer 260. Additional details on money transfers foruse with the present invention may be found in U.S. application Ser. No.10/206,661, filed Jul. 26, 2002, entitled Money Transfer Systems andMethods for Travelers, and assigned to the assignee of the present, thecomplete disclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

Turning now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, methods of the present invention will bedescribed. In particular, FIG. 3A depicts a method 300 for facilitatinga money transfer by a customer. FIG. 3B depicts a method 350 forprocessing a money transfer. As shown in FIG. 3A, method 300 includesreceiving a request for a money transfer (Block 310) and receiving atransfer pair code (Block 312). In some embodiments, receipt of themoney transfer request and the transfer pair code occur simultaneously,and in still other embodiments, the receipt of the transfer pair codecomprises the money transfer request. The receipt of the money transferrequest and transfer pair code may occur according to any of the abovedescribed methods. For example, the transfer pair code may be embodiedin a UPC or in a magnetic stripe on presentation device 270 that isreceived by point-of-sale device 210 or a clerk operating point-of-saledevice 210. Method 300 includes requesting a verification of thetransfer pair (Block 314). This verification request may includepoint-of-sale device 210 and/or vendor system 220 sending a request tohost system 240 to verify the transfer pair. Method 300 includesdetermining whether the transfer pair has been verified (Decision Block316). In one embodiment, POS device 210 receives a “YES” verification ora “NO” verification response from host 240. If the transfer pair is notverified, the money transfer request is terminated (Stop 318). If thetransfer pair is verified, method 300 includes receiving payment for themoney transfer (Block 320). Payment may involve a money transfercustomer paying cash, or the like, to POS device 210 or a clerkoperating POS device 210.

Receipt of payment may further include receiving payment of a moneytransfer fee. In some embodiments, the money transfer fee is deductedfrom the money transfer amount requested. In other embodiments, thecustomer initiating the transfer pays the amount they desire to transferto the recipient, and also pays a money transfer fee. Thus, receivingpayment may have multiple components. Payment may also include a paymentportion for the customer's purchase of various consumer items orservices at a retail location operating POS device 210. Method 300includes sending a record that the money transfer has been successfullyinitiated and that the money has been collected (Block 322). Again,point-of-sale device 210 and/or vendor system 220 may send the record tohost computer system 240. Database 222 may store a record of the moneytransfer request being processed. Method 300 includes sending of thepayment (Block 324), which may include the actual transmission of money,or the transmission of payment records through an ACH or other system.In some embodiments, method 300 is largely completed by usingpoint-of-sale device 210 and/or vendor system 220.

FIG. 3B depicts method 350 for processing a money transfer request.Method 350 includes receiving a request for a transfer pair verification(Block 360). As noted above, this request may be received by host system240 from point-of-sale device 210 and/or vendor system 220. Method 350includes attempting to verify the transfer pair (Block 360). Host system240 accomplishes this process, in some embodiments, by comparing thereceived transfer pair code 140 with the transfer pair records 100. Insome embodiments, host system 240 also compares a customer name receivedfrom POS device 210 with customer names contained in the transfer pairrecord 100 associated with the received transfer pair code 140. If thetransfer pair is not verified (Decision Block 364) a denial may bereturned to the money transfer requestor (Block 366). The denial may betransmitted to point-of-sale device 210 and/or vendor system 220 forrelay to the customer requesting the money transfer. A denial may occurfor a variety of reasons, including without limitation, an incorrecttransfer pair code, an incomplete transfer pair record 100 associatedwith transfer pair code 140, a message or notice placed in transfer pairrecord 100 indicating further money transfers should be denied, or thelike. In some embodiments, transfer pair 140 is verified and averification is returned by host system 240 (Block 368).

Method 350 includes receiving the money transfer request (Block 370).This may, for example, comprise host system 240 receiving a notificationfrom point-of-sale device 210 and/or vendor system 220 that the customerassociated with the transfer pair verification has indeed paid for themoney transfer. Receipt of the money transfer request may includereceiving additional information, such as the transfer pair code that inturn identifies the sending and receiving customers, and the amount tobe transferred in the event the transfer pair record allows variabletransfer amounts. In some embodiments, method 350 further includesauthorizing the transfer (Block 372). Authorizing the transfer mayinclude host system 240 creating or maintaining a record that customersassociated with the verified transfer pair have initiated a moneytransfer in a designated amount (fixed or variable) and that the moneymay be dispensed to second customer 280 upon proof of identity. As shownin FIG. 2, second customer 280 receives the money from a remote system250, that in turn is coupled to host system 240. In some embodiments,system 240 makes the money available to second customer 280 only after aperiod of time has passed since first customer 260 paid. In this manner,non-cash payments made by first customer 260 for the money transfer canbe approved or confirmed before dispensing the cash to second customer280.

The advantages of the present invention, including the examplesdescribed in conjunction with FIGS. 1-3, are numerous. For the consumer,the consumer now has multiple locations at which they can initiate amoney transfer. The consumer may multi-task by sending money from alocation at which they had already planned to purchase groceries or thelike. Further, the customer need not repeatedly provide all of theinformation typically needed for a money transfer as most or all of theinformation is maintained in the transfer pair record.

Benefits to the host system are numerous as well. For example,point-of-sale device 210 can facilitate payment authorization throughthe credit card authorization and check authentication processes. Themoney transfer host system will receive payments quickly from the vendorthrough the ACH or other money transfer processing system. In someembodiments, however, money transfer payments are made in cash, bycashiers check, or other certified funds. The host system operatorfurther benefits by having customers who are satisfied at havingadditional locations at which a money transfer may be initiated and paidfor. Host system 240 operator also benefits by not having to enter acomplete data set for its frequent customer each time the customer wantsto send money.

Benefits to the vendor operating point-of-sale device 210 also exist.First, the vendor, by participating in this process, is providing anadditional service to customers which their competitors may not. Thiscould increase consumer traffic to their store locations. For example,while the above examples describe the user proceeding to a grocery storeto purchase items and at the same time initiating a money transfer, thereverse may happen. For example, the user may proceed to the grocerystore to initiate a money transfer, and while they are there purchase afew items. In addition to the possibility of additional purchases,increased revenue may be received by the merchant through commissionspaid by the customer and/or the money transfer host. In one embodiment,the vendor receives a small fee from the host for each money transferinitiated from the vendor location. Still another advantage to thevendor would be the float available to the vendor. The vendor may havein their account the money associated with the money transfers paid bytheir customers for a period of time before transmission of the money tothe host. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatadditional benefits to each of the parties of the methods of the presentinvention, arising from one or more components of the systems of thepresent invention may be realized within the scope of the presentinvention.

The invention has now been described in detail. However, it will beappreciated that the invention may be carried out in ways other thanthose illustrated in the aforesaid discussion, and that certain changesand modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appendedclaims. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is not intended to belimited by those specific examples, but rather is to be accorded in thescope represented in the following claims.

1. A method of processing money transfers, the method comprising:receiving, by a host computer system from a vendor location, a requestfor a transfer pair verification; verifying, by the host computersystem, the transfer pair is associated with a valid transfer pairrecord; sending, by the host computer system, the transfer pairverification to the vendor location; receiving, by the host computersystem, a money transfer request associated with the transfer pair fromthe vendor location, wherein the money transfer request comprises amoney transfer amount; authorizing, by the host computer system, a moneytransfer to at least one of a first and second customers associated withthe transfer pair; sending, by the host computer system, a moneytransfer fee amount to be collected from at least the first customer,wherein the money transfer fee amount is based on a money transfer feeschedule; and wherein the money transfer fee comprises a vendor fee anda host system fee.
 2. The method as in claim 1 further comprisingestablishing the transfer pair record associated with the first customerand the second customer.
 3. The method as in claim 2 whereinestablishing the transfer pair record comprises: verifying the identityof at least one of the first and second customers; receiving first andsecond customer information and creating a database record thereof; andproviding a transfer pair code to at least one of the first and secondcustomers.
 4. The method as in claim 3 wherein the transfer pair codecomprises a money transfer recipient designator.
 5. The method as inclaim 3 wherein the transfer pair code comprises a string ofalphanumeric characters.
 6. The method as in claim 1 wherein the vendorlocation comprises a retail outlet.
 7. The method as in claim 1 whereinsending the transfer pair verification further comprises sending a feerequest to the vendor location.
 8. The method as in claim 1 furthercomprising receiving a payment record corresponding to the moneytransfer request.
 9. The method as in claim 1 further comprisingdispensing the money associated with the money transfer request to thefirst or second customer.
 10. The method as in claim 9 furthercomprising receiving a transfer pair code associated with the transferpair from the first or second customer prior to the dispensing of themoney.
 11. The method as in claim 1 wherein the money transfer amountcomprises a fixed amount associated with the transfer pair.
 12. Themethod as in claim 1 wherein the money transfer fee amount is based on asliding scale of the money transfer amount.
 13. The method as in claim 1wherein the money transfer fee amount is a based on a percentage of themoney transfer amount.
 14. A method of facilitating money transfers by acustomer at a vendor, the method comprising: receiving, by a hostcomputer system, a money transfer request from a first customer, whereinthe money transfer request comprises a money transfer amount; receiving,by the host computer system, a transfer pair code from the firstcustomer; sending, by the host computer system, a request for a transferpair verification to a host computer; receiving, by the host computersystem, the transfer pair verification from the host computer;receiving, by the host computer system, a payment from the firstcustomer for transfer to a second customer associated with the transferpair code, wherein the payment comprises a money transfer fee that isdetermined according to a money transfer fee schedule; and sending, bythe host computer system, a record of the money transfer request and thepayment to the host computer.
 15. The method as in claim 14 furthercomprising providing a receipt to the first customer.
 16. The method asin claim 14 further comprising receiving a purchase request for aconsumer item from the first customer, and wherein the payment comprisesa first payment portion associated with the consumer item and a secondpayment portion associated with the money transfer request.
 17. Themethod as in claim 16 wherein the payment further comprises a thirdpayment portion associated with a money transfer fee.
 18. The method asin claim 14 wherein the money transfer fee comprises a percentage of themoney transfer amount.
 19. The method as in claim 14 wherein the moneytransfer fee comprises a fee based on a sliding scale of the moneytransfer amount.
 20. A system for processing money transfers,comprising: a host computer comprising a processor coupled to a databaseand a memory; wherein the memory is configured to store sets ofinstructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the processorto: receive a request to verify a transfer pair from a point-of-saledevice; verify the transfer pair is associated with a valid transferpair record; send a transfer pair verification to the point-of-saledevice; receive a money transfer request associated with the transferpair from the point-of-sale device, wherein the money transfer requestcomprises a money transfer amount; authorize a money transfer to atleast one of a first customer and a second customer associated with thetransfer pair; and send a money transfer fee amount to the point-of-saledevice, wherein the money transfer fee amount is determined according toa money transfer fee schedule.
 21. The system as in claim 20 wherein thehost computer further comprises code for establishing the transfer pairrecord associated with the first customer and the second customer. 22.The system as in claim 20 wherein the host computer further comprisescode for receiving first and second customer information and creating adatabase record thereof to include a transfer pair code.
 23. The systemas in claim 22 wherein the host computer further comprises code forproviding the transfer pair code to at least one of the first and secondcustomers.
 24. The system as in claim 20 wherein the money transfer feeamount is based on a sliding scale of the money transfer amount.
 25. Thesystem as in claim 20 wherein the money transfer fee amount is a basedon a percentage of the money transfer amount.
 26. A system forprocessing money transfers, comprising: a host computer comprising aprocessor coupled to a database; a point-of-sale (POS) device integratedin a merchant computer network, wherein the POS device is coupled to thehost computer and the POS device is configured to receive a request toverify a transfer pair and transmit the request to the host computer;and wherein the host computer is configured to verify the transfer pairis associated with a valid transfer pair record and send a transfer pairverification to the POS device; wherein the POS device is furtherconfigured to send a money transfer request associated with the transferpair to the host computer, wherein the money transfer request comprisesa money transfer amount; and wherein the host computer is furtherconfigured to authorize a money transfer to at least one of a firstcustomer and a second customer associated with the transfer pair. 27.The system as in claim 26, wherein the host computer is furtherconfigured to send a money transfer fee amount to the POS device,wherein the money transfer fee amount is determined according to a moneytransfer fee schedule.
 28. The system as in claim 27, wherein the moneytransfer fee schedule comprises deducting the money transfer fee amountfrom the money transfer amount.
 29. The system as in claim 27, whereinthe money transfer fee schedule comprises adding the money transfer feeamount to the money transfer amount.
 30. The system as in claim 27,wherein the money transfer fee schedule comprises determining the moneytransfer fee amount based on a percentage of the money transfer amount.31. The system as in claim 27, wherein the money transfer fee is paid byeither the host computer operator or the merchant.
 32. The system as inclaim 26, wherein at least one of the first and second customersassociated with the transfer pair is a pre-authorized customer.
 33. Thesystem as in claim 32, wherein transactions occur between pre-authorizedcustomers by collecting less information than customers that are notpre-authorized.
 34. The system as in claim 26, wherein the POS device isfurther configured to present a list of transfer pairs based on ahistory for a customer and to allow the customer to select from the listof transfer pairs to establish a new money transfer.
 35. A method ofprocessing money transfers, the method comprising: receiving, by a hostcomputer system, from a sender, a request for a transfer pairverification, wherein the request includes a request to establish arecurring money transfer associated with the transfer pair, wherein therequest to establish a recurring money transfer includes a recurrenceschedule; verifying, by the host computer system, the transfer pair isassociated with a valid transfer pair record; establishing, by the hostcomputer system, a recurring money transfer for the transfer pair basedon the recurrence schedule; sending, by the host computer system, thetransfer pair verification to the vendor location; and authorizing, bythe host computer system, money transfers to a recipient associated withthe transfer pair based on the recurrence schedule.
 36. The method as inclaim 35, wherein the recurrence schedule comprises one or more of thefollowing: a monthly transfer schedule, a bi-monthly transfer schedule,and a weekly transfer schedule.
 37. The method as in claim 35, furthercomprising verifying the identify of at least one of the sender and therecipient.
 38. The method as in claim 35, further comprising in responseto verifying the transfer pair, sending the sender a notificationindicating that the transfer pair has been verified.
 39. The method asin claim 35, further comprising in response to authorizing at least oneof the money transfers, sending the recipient a notification indicatingthat the money transfer has been authorized.